Get a defence, turn up in the first half, avoid red cards, score some goals and beat Chelsea - five of the ten things Shearer must do to keep Newcastle up

The Messiah has returned, all is rosy in the garden of Newcastle and Alan Shearer will successfully begin his managerial career by keeping Newcastle up.

Straightforward? No, this is Newcastle we’re talking about.

Geordieland’s favourite son is currently basking in the glory of a triumphant return to his hometown club.

Adored: Alan Shearer now has the chance to etch his name in Newcastle managerial folklore

The scenes across Newcastle were not unlike those seen in Chicago when Barack Obama won the US presidential election last year - and even the Fog On The Tyne has cleared today as Big Al gets sworn in.

So can Shearer bring change to St. James’s Park? Yes he can, but it won't be easy.

Sportsmail investigates the challenges facing Shearer as he works to save Newcastle from the drop.

Keeping a lid on the fans' expectations

Shearer has never coached a team before, spent the last couple of years in a TV studio and is younger than Dean Windass. His first job will be to keep the fans’ ambitions realistic.

Stabilising a weak defence

Newcastle have one of the worst defences in the league - hard to imagine with the likes of Cacapa and Fabricio Coloccini in their ranks - having leaked 49 goals this term, compared to Chelsea’s 17. To stand any chance of staying up they need to improve.

Keeping the goals coming

The Newcastle attack is the best of all the relegation candidates, and better than some teams chasing Europe. Shearer needs to get the likes of Michael Owen, Mark Viduka, Obafemi Martins and Shola Ameobi scoring and recapture the attacking essence that made Newcastle great.

Defenders: Cacapa...

... and Coloccini

Making St James’ Park a fortress

The Magpies have four home games left and must get maximum points from them all. Not easy with Chelsea up next and fellow strugglers Middlesbrough and Portsmouth on the way up. And they have only picked up 18 points at home all season, a poor return for the ground with the third highest average attendance.

Keeping eleven players on the field at all times

The red card has been brandished to Newcastle five times this season, and incredibly Joey Barton isn't one of them. It's still the worst record in the league along with Manchester United and Stoke. Shearer will need to promote the virtues of discipline that characterised his playing days.

Getting the best out of Michael Owen

Michael Owen has scored only eight Premier League goals this season. Injuries or not, Owen is capable of better. He needs to score at least five more this season to keep the Geordies up.

Injured: Owen...

...and Viduka

Turning up in the first half

If games were only 45 minutes long Newcastle’s relegation would be all but confirmed now. On first-half performances they have just 25 points compared to the 29 they have actually won and would be second bottom of the table. Late goals are fine, but to stay up they need to stamp their authority on games from the first whistle.

Creating a backbone

If relegated the legacy of Newcastle’s stay in the Premier League will be that of a team full of flair and promise but one that ultimately didn’t have the bottle for the big time. He needs to make them a tough team to beat who opponents fear.

Being the apple of Mike Ashley’s eye

Compared to Joe Kinnear, Alan Shearer will make a refreshing change for Mike Ashley. Shearer needs to keep his unpredictable chairman onside if he is to going to bring prolonged success to Newcastle.

Beating Chelsea on Saturday

Easier said than done but the momentum that a home win against Guus Hiddink's side would create cannot be underestimated. If they lose, heads will drop and questions will be asked. Just ask Martin Johnson what a home win against a team in blue does for your reputation.

Owner: Ashley

Demanding: The fans

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Get a defence, turn up in the first half, avoid red cards, score some goals and beat Chelsea - five of the ten things Shearer must do to keep Newcastle up